from Westhills Village

Our Monthly Newsletter of Life Enriching Tips!

Thank You Nurses!

Happy Nurses Appreciation Week!

The nurses that make up our team are some of the most qualified, compassionate, skilled, and driven women and men in Rapid City. We believe in creating a community - and our nurses solidify that foundation - helping provide a continuum of care for our residents, peace of mind for Westhills families, and a wellness-centered community for all.

Join Our Team!

Our robust community has many career opportunities in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Home Health and Health Care that include dining services, housekeeping, Licensed Nurses, CNAs and more!

Some Good News!

KNBN NBC TV interviewed Betty Richards at Westhills today and will feature how Westhills is staying positive and encouraging during COVID!Betty was the point person to help with organizing a group of dynamic residents who rallied together and sewed almost 700 face masks!! WOW!The interview will air tonight on KNBN NBC TV at 5:30pm.

We are all doing well at Westhills and we have been trying to focus on all the positives and uplifting things that are happening!Westhills wants the greater Rapid City community to know that Westhills is focusing on the positives! We want to spread the word how we are all helping each other and encouraging each other!For example, many of our residents are volunteering to help in so many ways - they are helping wipe down and sanitize all hand rails and high touch areas, they are delivering meals to residents isolating in their apartments, we even had one of our residents buy a pizza lunch for all the employees!!Also, we had our Health Care residents and staff cut out Hearts and display them in our windows as this viral campaign of “Spread the Love, Not the Virus” is happening everywhere.

Also, we have a very generous group a residents that have taken to sewing in a whole new way – “they put the pedal – of the sewing machine – to the Medal!” They call themselves the “Rosies” (After Rosie the Riveter!) and have made up to 700 Face Masks  We got the pattern from Avera Monument Health so all of them are the same with a “filtering flannel” and hair bands for ear loops. They are very working hard to supply masks for all the staff and now residents too 

Happy 23rd Birthday Dr. Bareis!

Join us in celebrating our Leap Year Resident's Birthday

Name: Reuben Julian August Bareis

Where were you born?: A Hospital! :) in Great Bend, KS

What countries of heritage do you have?: German, Swiss & French

What is your favorite color?: Blue

What was your favorite decade?: 50’s, He got married and also moved to Rapid City

Who is your favorite hobby?: Vocal Music

What is your favorite film?: Steamboat Round the Bend

Where is your favorite place you've traveled to?: England and Scotland

What's your favorite breakfast food?: Raisin Bran Cereal

What's your favorite spot in the Black Hills?: His room at Westhills Village. As he said, "It’s my world!"

Who was your favorite President?: Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)

What's your favorite animal?: He doesn’t have one because he is allergic to most animals

What invention that has happened in your lifetime do you most appreciate?: Television or Computer

What was your favorite car?: Chevrolet

Who is your favorite visual artist?: Impressionist French Painting

What is your favorite sport to watch?: Baseball – The St Louis Cardinals

What is your favorite type of music to listen to?: Jazz and Choir Music

What's your favorite dinner meal?: Spaghetti

What's your favorite season?: Fall

What's the best thing about the year 2020?: Recovered from cataract surgery

What's your favorite gift?: Little Red Wagon – He got it for Christmas when he was 6 years old

How many years have you lived at Westhills?: 14

What's something you'd like to do this year?: Have fun with family and friends

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

A recipe from Dining Service Team Member - Jason

February is Dining Services Appreciation Month. As part of our celebration, we asked team members to share some favorite recipes.

This recipe is from Jason and he recommends a hearty steak in addition to his delicious potatoes.

Cut potatoes in 1 inch cube and place in a pot. Cover and bring to boil until the potatoes fall apart easily when pierced with a fork.

Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan making sure it does not burn

When potatoes are tender, drain in a colander. Use a masher to mash potatoes. As soon as they are mashed, slowly whisk in the hot milk/butter. Add salt, pepper, and sour cream and whisk to smooth.

National Caregivers Day

February 21 is National Caregivers Day!

Happy National Caregivers Day to our team members who care well for our residents and guests. We see your efforts and kindnesses and we appreciate you!

Westhills Village earns the reputation of "Best in the Black Hills" and a 5 star rating from CMS largely due to the solid team of caregivers who are employed at our facilities and on our campus. Thank you for your efforts to creating the best continuing care for our residents and guests!

Dining Services Appreciation Month

Our Dining Services team member, Paige, sent us her favorite recipe!

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, divided

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups milk

6 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes

1-1/2 cups chopped fully cooked ham

1 small onion, grated

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour, parsley, salt, thyme and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

Combine potatoes, ham and onion; place half in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with half of the sauce; repeat layers.

Cover and bake at 375° for 65-75 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender. Dot with remaining butter. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.

Clarkson Award Winners

Several Team Members at Clarkson received awards

Congratulations to our Clarkson employees who received an award today! Taylor Thornton received the Rising Star award for her dedication, positive attitude and contributions the the Healthcare team. Loree Westbrook and Jason Crowson received the Mountain Mover award for their consistent quality of work and exceptional dependability. Eileen Muellenberg received the Service Excellence award for providing excellent service. Congratulations!!

Congratulations Paige!

Paige Frost was awarded the Mountain Mover Award

Help me congratulate Paige Frost. She was nominated by her peers and received the Mountain Mover Award. The Mountain Mover award recognizes an exceptional employee. The basis for selection is outstanding performance and demonstrates consistent quality of work; demonstrates a high degree of initiative; motivation and dedication; positive attitude, exceptional dependability; and maintains effective relationships with others and demonstrates leadership qualities. Congratulations Paige, well deserved!!!

Congratulations Dining Services!

Dining Services Team receives Team Spirit Award

Congratulations to our Dining Services team. They received the Team Spirit Award. The Team Spirit Award recognizes a department that exemplify collaboration and cooperation; and that demonstrate a significant contribution with results on behalf of their Department and the organization.

Congratulations Rising Star!

Toni Diamond receives this year's 2020 Rising Star Award!

Every year we award a team member our "Rising Star Award" - recognizing someone who is going above and beyond to be a major part of the team at work.

These ladies work together to create the environment of excellence you appreciate at Westhills Village - we're lucky to have them as part of our team.

Employee Academic Assistance

We raised over $25,900 to support the Employee Academic Assistance Program!

In 2019, as we celebrated our 35th Anniversary, we offered additional fundraising opportunities for residents, Foundation Members, and community members to donate to our Employee Academic Assistance Fund.

The goal of our fund is to assist Westhills Village Employees in receiving additional training and education such as advanced nursing degrees, CNA certifications, or continuing education opportunities. We believe an educated workforce is an involved and excellent workforce - and we love the ways you helped invest in our employees last year. From our efforts over $25,000 was raised to benefit our employees.

Though we are now into our 36th year - we are still actively contributing to the Employee Academic Assistance Fund. You can give online, mail a check, or talk to someone in Reception or Marketing for more ways to be involved. Thank you for your support of Westhills Employee Academic Assistance Fund and our Employees!

Welcome Brandon Petrotto!

Brandon has joined The Courtyard full time!

We are excited for Brandon Petrotto to join us full time as the Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Courtyard.

Brandon started at Westhills in October 2017 as an Intern.

He recently graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science.

He will continue to bring you quality programming, such as Cookin’ with Mr. Good Lookin’ and is excited to use his passion for wellness and exercise to enhance our Residents’ quality of life.

Tour the Courtyard!

A video walkthrough of the common areas at The Courtard

You won't believe The Courtyard until you see it! We're so proud of our state of the art Assisted Living facility and we think you will be too. Check out this video of the main areas that greet residents and guests as they enter The Courtyard, right on the campus of Westhills Village.

A Very Merry Christmas, to you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Westhills Village

Christmas is a sacred time of year - for celebrating with loved ones, remembering Holidays gone by, and reconnecting with the joy of a heart of worship, gratitude, and sacrifice. May the love of Jesus surround you and yours as you celebrate this Holiday Season. We look forward to a coming New Year and reflect on the magic of a Baby in a manger and the hope of Peace on Earth.

Thank You, Volunteers!

It's International Volunteers Day!

December 5th is set aside as International Volunteers Day. Did you know there are many ways to volunteer within the Westhills Village Community?

In 2019, we had 324 people volunteer for a total of 3,246 hours of volunteer service. That's a lot of giving their time, energy, and talents to help create this robust community.

If you are interested in volunteering throughout our campus, contact Nedra or Debbie at (605) 342-0255 or visit our volunteer page on this website!

Happy Thanksgiving

With gratitude, we look back on a wonderful year.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends and look back on a year of success, of growth, of struggles, and of memories. The management and staff of Westhills Village wishes you and your family and loved ones a meaningful season of Gratitude. May a full table, warm hearts, and celebration of love be yours.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Debbie Westfall and Brenda Salway!

Westhills Village is proud of the culture of community we've worked to develop on our campuses and throughout our services, and especially of our employees who often work above and beyond. Yesterday, our Life Enrichment Coordinator, Debbie Westfall, was honored by the South Dakota Health Care Association with the Qualified Activity Coordinator Award and our Director of Assisted Living, Brenda Salway, was awarded the South Dakota Assisted Living Association Administrator of the Year.

Debbie Westfall is a bright spot in the lives of our residents, their families and volunteers at Westhills Village Health Care. She brings a tremendous amount of energy and excitement to her job, creativity, and attention to detail for every resident. For almost 20 years, Debbie has brought her keen sense of how we can best address residents' care and needs to our community and continues to step into a variety of roles to see ultimate service provided. Debbie is one of the rare individuals that pours her heart and soul into long term care and our industry and community is better because of her commitment and involvement.

Brenda Salway has been employed at Westhills Village for eight and a half years. In 2013, when the Director of Assisted Living position opened, we encouraged her to apply due to her incredible leadership skills in the areas of resident care, resident rights, family communication and professionalism. As Director, Brenda has consistently maintained the highest employee retention rate and her employees enjoy and appreciate her guidance. She has piloted and led programs to bring assisted living residents to a local school for tutoring and mentoring and has implemented standards that continue to be found superior in state surveys. A leader by example, Brenda is often the first to volunteer to participate in initiatives, lead and encourage others, and support her employees and residents to create a culture of community, honor, and success.

Westhills Village is the best continuing care campus in the area because of the people who make up our staff, lead our teams, and live in our community. We are grateful for leaders like Debbie and Brenda who continue to lead Westhills Village into cutting-edge care while continuing the tradition of excellence for which we are known. Congratulations Brenda Salway and Debbie Westfall on these much deserved awards. Thank you for being a part of our team!

Best of the Black Hills

Thank you for making us the Best of the Black Hills again in 2019.

For the past 35 years, Westhills Village has delivered exceptional senior living for the Black Hills area. Through our beautifully landscaped grounds, continuously upgraded buildings, home care, therapy services, assisted living and skilled nursing, we have provided a vibrant lifestyle for our residents

Your vote of confidence, naming Westhills Village #1 in the Black Hills acknowledges our high standards, outstanding staff, and our forward-thinking leadership - which come together to achieve this quality of service.

As we look to the future, we are committed to providing growth, innovation, and excellence of care to our residents and to the Black Hills Community. Thank you for being a part of our success!

5 Star Rating

Proud to be recognized for five star care in the Black Hills

Westhills Village and Clarkson Health Care Facility are pleased to be rated 5 stars by Medicare. Our team works tirelessly to provide excellent continuum of care for short-term and long-term residents and community members. You can learn more about the ratings and local facilities here: medicare ratings

Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 12, 2019

We hope today is a day of celebration! For Mothers who are still here, nurturing and loving, leading and caring and achieving, and for the mothers we have lost - may their memories and legacy carry us onward.

Westhills Village is home to many mothers, proud to provide employment for many moms, and grateful for the full and beautiful community we've created because of the many moms in our lives!

Congratulations on 35 Years!

Our CEO Daryl is celebrating 35 years this March!

In the past 35 years a lot has changed about workplace culture, expectations, communications, and leadership. It takes a truly special person, someone who is willing to work on themselves, to bring others alongside him, and to consider the health of an entire Community, to last and lead for 35 years.

We are grateful for the community and culture that Daryl has created here at Westhills Village and excited for what the next year's bring. Congratulations!

Westhills Women

March is International Women's Month!

For International Women's Month, we're celebrating the community of women who live and work at Westhills Village. From the 219 women who are employed by Westhills Village, as administrative staff, office staff, human resources, dining hall, kitchen, laundry, maintenance, CNAs, Registered Nurses, med aides, and more - to the 160+ female apartment residents, and more women living in our Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Villas - these women are the vital heartbeat that helps Westhills Village be a home.

Throughout this month, as you spend time on the Westhills Village & Clarkson campuses - take a moment to thank a female employee for their contribution to making Westhills Village a vibrant community.

Remember that Westhills Village is committed to caring for our residents and our employees. We support our female employees through maternity leave, continuing education opportunities, and advancement opportunities. We know that women are essential - and we're so glad to have all of you as part of our community!

Heart Healthy Tips

February is Heart Health Month!

February is Heart Health Month and there’s no better time to have a heart-to-heart about ways you can improve your heart’s health as you age. Just because your doctor hasn’t mentioned that you have a heart condition, doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from these simple, small changes that improve Heart Health!

Eat Colorful Fruits & Veggies - Low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals and fiber — adults should get at least five servings per day of these nutrition powerhouses.

Sleep Well - Not getting enough sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Together, these four health conditions prove a powerful case that sleep isn't just beneficial, it's vital. Don’t watch TV or use other electronic devices before bed – or if you do, go to a different room so your bedroom is just for sleeping.

Practice Gratitude - Making a list and conjuring the feeling of gratitude about what you can appreciate about your life every day appears to have a real effect on the smoothness and rhythm of the heartbeat.

Exercise Regularly - Regularly exercising thirty minutes a day can improve your heart’s (and overall body’s) health! Whether you take a brisk walk, play the Wii, sign up for a weekly class, or enjoy working out in the comfort of your living room - the important thing is that you do something every day. Consider adopting a dog to get out there and move! Can’t adopt ? Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter!

Construction Award

Congratulations to Scull Construction!

We just found out that Scull Construction was awarded two Construction Industry Craftsmanship Awards for their work on The Courtyard!!

If you watch our CEO, Daryl Reinicke's testimonial, you'll understand a little bit of why we are so grateful

We love our beautiful space and expansion and we are excited to see them awarded for their excellent work! Great news!!

Our On-Site Clinic

Did you know we have a clinic on-site?

Westhills Village is pleased to announce the availability of Rapid City Regional CNP staff Ashley Brunmaier and Gretchen Landers in our on-site clinic here at Westhills on the 3rd floor of Building C. Ashley and Gretchen specialize in geriatric care, and they are in the clinic every Tuesday from 9a-10a to see scheduled and walk in patients. They will also be available in the on-site clinic for scheduled appointments at your convenience on weekdays, with a 48 hour appointment request.

Their scheduler can be reached at 755-0220 to schedule appointments or answer any questions.

Gift Ideas for your Westhills Family Member

'Tis the Season for Giving - Here's some ideas!

Westhills Village Community offers several gift certificate options for your loved one during the Holidays! Stop by (or call) the Reception Desk to purchase a gift certificate for:

Meal Tickets

Home Health Services Gift Certificates

Transportation Gift Certificates

Salon Gift Certificates (call the Salon at 605-721-3601)

Housekeeping Services Gift Certificates

Pantry Gift Certificates

SD Health Care Association's Activities Director of the Year!

Teresa Wardle from Clarkson Health Care receives award!

Teresa Wardle announced as South Dakota Health Care Association’s Activities Director of the Year!

Teresa began her employment at Clarkson Health Care 25 years ago as a certified nurse assistant, eventually moving to the roll of Health Unit Clerk. When the Activities Director position became available, Teresa was a natural selection and she stepped up to the plate with enthusiasm!

Teresa has tremendous respect from the residents, their families, and her coworkers as well. She is a ray of sunshine to everyone at Clarkson Health Care – constantly creating a fun atmosphere! Teresa provides plenty of activities for the residents to enjoy and always makes new attendees feel welcome.

Our programs continue to be creative and diverse because of Teresa’s new ideas. She is a strong proponent of the Music & Memory Program, which she helped certify Clarkson Health Care for.

We are so proud to have Teresa as a member of our team! Congratulations, Teresa!

Values, Beliefs & Balance Matter

Spiritual Wellness is an important part of being a healthy human!

Spiritual Wellness is a personal matter involving values and beliefs that provide a purpose in our lives. While different individuals may have different views of what spiritualism is, it is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world.

If you are a person engaged in the process of spiritual wellness, you are willing and able to transcend yourself in order to question the meaning and purpose in your life and the lives of others. In addition, you seek to find harmony between that which lies within and the social and physical forces that come from outside. We are always able to continue growing in our spiritual wellness!

Active Aging Month

Here's how we Inspire Wellness!

September is Active Aging Month. To celebrate this month, and to continue our goal of inspiring wellness throughout our community, the Community Life team at Westhills Village has a calendar full of special events!

Throughout the month of September, we've challenged our community members, residents and employees alike, to participate in our "virtual marathon." Using a pedometer or activity tracker (pedometers are available for purchase from the Community Life Department) keep track of your miles as you walk, use a treadmill or eliptical, or hike this month. The goal is to complete a half marathon (13.1 miles) or a full marathon (26.2 miles) or even an ultra marathon (anything over 26.2 miles!) We know you can do it!

Other fun activities that are planned include:

Canyon Lake Walk About - Wednesday, September 5th at 2pm

Table Tennis Tournament - Thursday, September 6th at 7:30pm

Strider Bike Obstacle Course - Friday, September 7th at 11am

Hike in the Hills at Black Elk Peak - Saturday, September 8th at 9am

Water Volleyball Tournament - Tuesday, September 11th at 4pm

Croquet Tournament - Thursday, September 13th at 10am

Outdoor Excursion to the Wax Museum - Saturday, September 15th at 10am

Resident/Staff Bowling at Robbinsdale - Sunday, September 16th at 2pm

Cooking with Mr. Good Looking - Tuesday, September 18th, at 2:30pm

Dart Tournament - Thursday, September 20th at 10:15am

Wear Purple to End Alzheimer's Day - Friday, September 21

Walk to End Alzheimer's (Memorial Park) - Saturday, September 22nd at 9am

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk - Tuesday, September 25th at 8:45am

Cribbage Tournament - Wednesday, September 26th at 1:30pm

Swim Meet - Friday, September 28th, at 9am

Part of living life fully and well is staying active while we can, in the ways that we can, as part of a community that lifts us up. Active Aging Month is an excellent time to renew our focus on activity, community, and growth. We look forward to all that this month has to offer the staff and residents of our vibrant community!

Enjoy Fall in the Black Hills!

Accessible Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors!

Perhaps it’s been a while since you ventured into the great outdoors. Did you know that there are numerous walking and hiking trails and observation areas that are just off the beaten path and are paved, walker, wheelchair, and senior friendly? Here’s a few of our favorites!

Veteran's Point Trail

Veteran’s Point Trail is a half-
mile trail at the north end of the dam at Pactola Resevoir on Hwy 385. Designed to be accessible for everyone - it has an asphalt surface, handrails, restroom facilities, and fishing access.

D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery

This Spearfish treasure welcomes visitors to the hatchery and museum for an educational closeup view of the fish production process! Enjoy walking trails, museum exhibits, and fish feeding opportunities!

Mickelson Trail

The George S. Mickelson Trail runs through the heart of the Black Hills, connecting Deadwood with Edgemont. The crushed-stone pathway incorporates nearly 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 tunnels, and much of it traverses national forest. Bike a short distance, walk a mile or so, and enjoy the picnic areas and benches along the trail. With some planning, you could even schedule day-trips to allow you to visit all fifteen trailheads and cover many of the 109 miles of this former railway.

Best of the Black Hills!

Proudly chosen "Best Skilled Nursing" in the Black Hills!

Thank you to the 5,200 people who cast 55,389 votes in 143 categories and chose Westhills Village as the best "Skilled Nursing" in the Black Hills!

Each year, local newspaper The Rapid City Journal holds a competition for local businesses. This year, Westhills Village was overwhelmingly chosen as the best local skilled nursing facility.

We do not take lightly your confidence in our facility, staff and vision. Your votes are a meaningful way of letting us know we're on track - providing the type of continuing care that we believe is important for the Black Hills community, our residents, and their families.

Thank you again for your vote! We look forward to a year of continued excellence!

Choose safe environments such as well-lit streets, open parks and indoor facilities.

Make sensible choices about when and where to be active and who to be active with.

Heart Healthy Tips

February 16, 2018

February is Heart Health Month and there’s no better time to have a heart-to-heart about ways you can improve your heart’s health as you age. Just because your doctor hasn’t mentioned that you have a heart condition, doesn’t mean youwon’t benefit from these simple, small changes that improve Heart Health!

Eat Colorful Fruits and Veggies

Low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals and fiber — adults should get at least five servings per day of these nutrition powerhouses.

Sleep Well for Heart Health

Not getting enough sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Together, these four health conditions prove a powerful case that sleep isn't just beneficial, it's vital. Don’t watch TV or use other electronic devices before bed – or if you do, go to a different room so your bedroom is just for sleeping.

Practice Gratitude

Making a list and conjuring the feeling of gratitude about what you can appreciate about your life every day appears to have a real effect on the smoothness and rhythm of the heartbeat.

Exercise Regularly

Regularly exercising thirty minutes a day can improve your heart’s (and overall body’s) health! Whether you take a brisk walk, play the Wii, sign up for a weekly class, or enjoy working out in the comfort of your living room - the important thing is that you do something every day. Consider adopting a dog to get out there and move! Can’t adopt ? Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter!